Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Geoff Swaim

Sunday, March 9, 8:57 PM

The New England Patriots are re-signing veteran tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7 million. Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler, notched 45 receptions and 476 yards with New England a season ago, his highest marks since his 2021 stint with the Cleveland Browns. While he began the 2024 season cold, the 30-year-old picked it up over the back half -- racking up four catches in five of his last seven appearances as then-rookie signal-caller Drake Maye got acclimated to the NFL. The Stanford product played second fiddle to fellow tight end Hunter Henry last season and figures to do so again if his teammate stays healthy, as the latter out-paced the former handily in snaps (835-575) despite playing in one fewer contest. It's possible Hooper returns some TE2 value this upcoming season, but he's better off left to waivers until he proves otherwise.

Thursday, November 28, 2:52 PM

Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee) and tight end Geoff Swaim (concussion) did not participate in practice on Thursday. Both players were sidelined in Week 12, and it appears they could face an uphill battle to suit up against the Denver Broncos in Week 13, too. Wills has played in just five games this season and, if inactive, would be replaced on the offensive line by Germain Ifedi. Meanwhile, Swaim has appeared in eight games, catching just one pass for seven yards. The third tight end on the depth chart, he'd likely be replaced by Blake Whiteheart if inactive.